Please note the latest information about vaccinations, the reminder on using the Capacity Tracker and how the Tracker is being used to communicate international recruitment information, along with the information we continue to link to in this newsletter.

We do our best to keep the content and structure of our PEN website up-to-date in these fast-changing times and your suggestions on how to improve the website are always welcome.

Vaccination Campaign Updates

The Covid-19 Current autumn campaign closes on 31 January 2025.

Thank you for the Care home uptake during the Autumn Covid-19 Campaign:

• 100% of care homes completed
• 7,534 Vaccinations given to date
• 76.88% of eligible population received vaccination.
• The south west region shows as the highest uptake nationally with 77.79%

The Influenza vaccination Campaign continues until 31 March 2025

Care home uptake so far during the Autumn Influenza Campaign:

• 100% of care homes completed
• 7,935 Vaccinations given to date
• 81.85% of eligible population vaccinated

The RSV Vaccination Campaign continues until 31 August 2025

The Covid -19 Spring Campaign is scheduled to run from 1 April through to 17 June 2025 and will include the following cohorts:

• Adults aged 75 years and over (This includes those who will turn 75 years old by 17 June 2025)
• Residents in a care home for older adults (Those who are new residents in an older adult care home by 17 June 2025)
• Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed

Capacity Tracker Reminders

Capacity Tracker cover for absences

We recommend more than 1 user is registered at each location who can update Capacity Tracker to cover periods of absence (if you are an approver, you will be able to approve new users immediately).

Leaving Your Organisation?

If you are leaving your organisation or role and will no longer be updating Capacity Tracker, please ensure there is an individual registered with the Capacity Tracker prior to leaving.

Going Abroad

Please remember that Capacity Tracker is not accessible outside of the UK.

International Recruitment Webinar Slides and FAQs Provider Support now on Capacity Tracker

Following the International Recruitment webinars hosted by DHSC and Home Office in August and September 2024, the slides and Frequently Asked Questions are now available on Capacity Tracker. This compliments the other supporting information for international recruitment. 

Please log in here to view.

Latest Funded International Recruitment Training

Migrant Social Integration has been formed by Plymouth Hope to provide training to social care providers in Devon.

Book your place via Eventbrite for these training sessions…. 

Cultural Awareness: learn how to navigate different cultural norms and practices with confidence and respect, gain valuable insights that will help you thrive in today's multicultural world.

• 10^th February
• 10^th March

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: engaging online training focused on promoting equality, celebrating diversity, and fostering inclusion in the workplace. Expert trainers will provide valuable insights, practical tips, and interactive activities to help you create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

• 21^st February
• 21^st March

Modern Slavery & Exploitation: broaden your understanding of its forms, signs, and impacts, equipping you with the tools to identify and address exploitation. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants will be empowered to take informed action and promote awareness in their communities.

• 17^th February
• 24^th March

Low Pay Commission Consultation event on the Minimum Wage: Exeter 11 & 12 June

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) is the independent body which advises the Government on the National Minimum Wage (NMW), including the National Living Wage (NLW). Commissioners are drawn from different backgrounds, representing the interests of workers, employers and independent experts.

A big part of our work is hearing first-hand from the workers and employers affected by the minimum wage. Each year they travel across the UK to meet the people affected by our recommendations and they will be in Exeter on 11 and 12 June.

For further information and to book a place at the Exeter event please visit:

https://minimumwage.blog.gov.uk/2025/01/17/low-pay-commission-regional-visits-2025/

Digital Care Hub Short Survey on use of IT devices at Work

As part of the Better Security, Better Care programme, Care Hub, the Department of Health and Social Care are keen to hear from ASC providers on Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD) practices and policies in adult social care.

Please take this 10-minute anonymous survey:

https://forms.office.com/e/x7CmRLV2YP 

The survey is open until 5th February 2025 for staff to complete, both if they have devices provided to them by their employer or if they use their own device to access work information.

Remember to share your good news stories in this newsletter

Has your support helped transform someone’s life? Have you got innovative practice to share? Send us your celebratory photos and words and we will help share good practice.

Revisit previous good news stories

Issue 207 30 January 2025

Are your colleagues missing out? Ask them to sign-up to this PEN newsletter here!

DCC COVID-19 updates

Coronavirus advice to the public

National COVID-19 guidance updates

The GOV.UK website

The NHS.UK website

National vaccination publication collection

The national government page contains vaccination guidance, training resources, consent forms, letters, leaflets, posters and more.

PEN newsletter archive

View previous issues

NICE newsletters and alerts sign up

Keep up to date with the latest news and guidance that may impact on your service and clients via the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

Sign up to receive NICE newsletters here.

Agency Contact List online reminder

Dear Providers,  you can find the Agency Contact List on the PEN Website here  should you need to find additional staff.

Also please remember that Influenza Cases have been increasing recently so this is a timely reminder in case you require additional staffing.

Devon Care Homes Collaborative support: Embracing AI for a Better Future

The UK Government’s new AI Opportunities Action Plan is putting Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the heart of future growth in areas like healthcare, education, and jobs. Devon Care Homes Collaborative (DCHC) sees huge potential in how AI can help improve care, support our teams, and make life better for our residents and we are here to support providers accordingly.

Building the Foundations of AI

For care providers, this means using AI to help staff provide more personalised care. From predicting health issues before they become serious to making everyday tasks more efficient, AI can help us give residents the best care possible, helping with things like scheduling and communication, so freeing up time for caregivers to spend with residents and ensuring families stay connected.

Looking to the Future

The AI Opportunities Action Plan is an exciting step forward for care providers in Devon. By embracing AI, we can improve the care experience, make our operations more efficient, and create a future where technology works for our residents.

At Devon Care Homes Collaborative, we’re committed to using AI in ways that benefit both our residents and staff, ensuring we stay at the forefront of this exciting change.

"We are here to support you on your digital journey. Working alongside the National Better Security Better Care Team and the Digital Care Hub, we have numerous resources available to assist you. Whether you're just starting out or further along in your digital transformation, Carla and I are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”

For more information, visit the links below:

• Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) | Devon Care Homes Collaborative
• Government launches AI Opportunities Action Plan   - Digital Care Hub

For any questions or further support, you can visit the Devon Care Homes Collaborative or by emailing: sara.small@devoncarehomes.org, sara.small1@nhs.net or carla.selway@devoncarehomes.org

Good News Stories - Coffee Bar and Burns Night in Devon Care Homes

Brewing Connections in Edenmore Nursing Home

Edenmore Nursing Home has brewed up a fresh idea to help their residents - a coffee bar right in their home!

When the town centre’s Costa Coffee closed its doors, the team saw an opportunity, investing in a safe and easy-to-use machine.

Registered Manager Gayle Cooper shares “we regularly went into Ilfracombe for a coffee and were sad when Costa closed, so we decided to bring that experience here! While we still regularly visit other cafes in town, having our own coffee bar means we can enjoy that experience anytime we like, in our own home.”

To find out more please visit: https://www.edenmorenursinghome.com/activities-in-care/

Burns Night with Hatherleigh Nursing Home

Hatherleigh Nursing Home in Okehampton recently hosted a vibrant and memorable Burns Night celebration for its residents. Held on 25 January, the event brought the rich traditions and spirit of Scotland to Hatherleigh.

The home was filled with the sounds, smells, and tastes of Scotland as everyone immersed themselves in the traditions of Burns Night. The menu featured iconic Scottish dishes, starting with the classic Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, alongside a delicious vegetarian option of Cheesy Swede and Parsnip Bake, ensuring that every palate was catered for. The culinary journey continued with a delicious Cranachan for dessert—a traditional pudding made with cream, oats, raspberries, and a touch of whisky.

To find out more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/